E M E R G I N G   L E A D E R S

Judges 11:4-7

How do leaders emerge from among your teammates?  Is there a personality type or a position on the team that automatically makes one a leader?  Be careful, sometimes the best leaders appear from the most unlikely places.  One such leader is seen in today’s scripture.

In the book of Judges at chapter 11 and verses 4 through 7 we read, “Some time later, when the Ammonites made war on Israel, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob.  ‘Come,’ they said, ‘be our commander, so we can fight the Ammonites.’  Jephthah said to them, ‘Didn’t you hate me and drive me from my father’s house?  Why do you come to me now, when you’re in trouble?”

Jephthah was an illegitimately born child who nobody cared for, but he grew up to be a mighty warrior.  Suddenly, when the people were in trouble, they came to him to be their leader.  There must have been something special about Jephthah for the people to reach beyond their prejudice to seek his leadership.

It could be the same among you.  Watch and listen to your teammates.  Look for and encourage the leaders who emerge, even if they don’t fit into your previous leadership profile.  These leaders are often God’s gift to a team.

As you compete today, respect and loyally follow your team leadership.  Your coaching staff and the leaders among your teammates may lead you out of real trouble and into tremendous victory.

Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 16:13-28
Acts 23:1-11
Psalms 37:23-40
Exodus 38-40